Newsroom

Official news releases and announcements from organizations worldwide, distributed by EZ Newswire.

November 12, 2026 9:08 AM
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ANTALYA, Türkiye

TAILG Returns to UN Climate Conference, Building a Global Electric Mobility Ecosystem with Green Ride Africa

ANTALYA, Türkiye, November 12, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- On Nov. 9, 2026, local time, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) opened in Antalya, Türkiye. As an electric mobility brand participating in COP for the third consecutive year, TAILG was invited to the China Pavilion, where President Michael Yao took part in a high-level forum and delivered a keynote address. At the event, TAILG officially unveiled the TAILG Global Low-Carbon Action Handbook, presenting its years of climate action and technological innovation in green mobility around the world. The company also highlighted Green Ride Africa, a project developed in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), further strengthening its position as a leader in low-carbon mobility.

Low-Carbon Action for a Green Mobility Ecosystem

From COP29 and COP30 to COP31, TAILG has pursued a continuous path of global climate action. At COP29, the company shared the results of electric mobility pilot projects implemented across multiple countries through its long-standing cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These pilots demonstrated the potential of electric two- and three-wheelers to improve local mobility and reduce carbon emissions. At COP30, TAILG led the development of a green and low-carbon assessment system for smart connected electric vehicles, establishing a framework for evaluating emissions reductions across the product life cycle.

At COP31, TAILG's efforts are progressing from pilot projects and standards development toward a more comprehensive ecosystem. With Green Ride Africa at its core, the company is developing an integrated low-carbon mobility solution spanning product development, standards, local manufacturing, supply chains, solar power, energy storage, charging and battery swapping, inclusive finance, emissions reduction, battery recycling, and skills development.

Meeting Local Needs, Exploring Inclusive Mobility

During the forum, Michael Yao noted that the green transition in the Global South requires more than the introduction of green products. It also calls for locally adapted technologies, standards, industrial capabilities, and development opportunities to take root. Across Africa, many people rely on electric two- and three-wheelers to earn a living. Frequent, long-hour use places particular demands on vehicle range, reliability, and access to charging or battery-swapping services. Drawing on local research, TAILG has developed products such as the TK76 battery-swapping model and solar-powered electric three-wheelers. Beyond vehicle sales, the company is working to connect vehicles, energy services, and battery recycling as part of a sustainable green mobility ecosystem.

During the forum's discussion, Yao also shared insights from TAILG's experience in addressing the challenges facing the Global South's low-carbon transition. He noted that limited power infrastructure, high upfront costs, and gaps in supporting policies and local services remain major barriers to the wider adoption of green transport. Addressing these challenges requires cooperation among public authorities, multilateral organizations, financial institutions, and local industry. Together, they can work toward stable and consistent policies and standards, develop inclusive green finance tools, create platforms for collaboration, and strengthen local capabilities. Green Ride Africa puts this approach into practice by drawing on UNDP's multilateral platform and engaging local partners to make low-carbon mobility an affordable, sustainable option that supports livelihoods.

Driving Global Green Development

The newly unveiled TAILG Global Low-Carbon Action Handbook traces the company's more than two decades of green development driven by technological innovation. It presents low-carbon mobility pilot projects across Southeast Asia and Africa and outlines the vision, implementation approach, and social value of Green Ride Africa, offering an industry example for the transition toward inclusive, low-carbon transport.

For more than two decades, TAILG has placed technological innovation at the heart of its green mobility efforts, bringing its brand promise of going further into global climate action. Taking a long-term approach to its global low-carbon initiatives, the company draws on its research and development, manufacturing, and supply chain capabilities to bring together commercial sustainability, emissions reduction, and local employment. In doing so, it aims to generate environmental, social, and industrial value while making green transport accessible to more people.

TAILG's participation in the UN Climate Change Conference for three consecutive years reflects recognition of its low-carbon practices, ESG efforts, and global brand development. Looking ahead, a TAILG representative said the company will continue to strengthen cooperation with UN agencies, host-country governments, and local partners; advance its green mobility products, technologies, and ecosystem; and bring proven low-carbon mobility solutions to more countries, and regions. Through sustained industry action, TAILG aims to support deeper emissions reductions in transport, bring low-carbon mobility to more communities, and help the planet go further.

About TAILG

TAILG Technology Group, founded in 2003, is a comprehensive company that covers the entire industry chain, including the R&D, production, and sales of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, as well as services for sharing, charging, and battery swapping. Driven by the ambitious goal to “Recreate TAILG Abroad," it has established seven global R&D and manufacturing bases, including in Vietnam and Indonesia, with an annual production capacity exceeding 15 million units and exports to more than 70 countries and regions. For more information, visit tailg.com.

Media Contact

Alex Yan
brand@tailg.com.cn

November 12, 2026 9:03 AM
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HOUSTON, TX

DexMat Awarded Air Force Contract to Advance Galvorn Production for High-Power Microwave Systems

HOUSTON, TX, November 12, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- DexMat, a Houston-based advanced carbon material company, announced today that it has been selected by AFWERX, a component of the Technology Transition Office within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), for a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract (FA2394-26-C-B006), awarded through AFRL, to advance Galvorn® production for cathodes that will go into high-power microwave systems.

Field emission cathodes are a foundational component in high-power microwave systems, and cathode material performance sets a hard limit on how much power those systems can generate and how reliably they can be built at the scale defense programs require. That material gap is why AFRL has funded Galvorn cathode development for years, and why this contract matters beyond a single program.

The two-year contract, which began this August, requires DexMat to produce more than 1 kg of qualified Galvorn fiber for cathode development, building on a body of work AFRL has funded since Galvorn was still a research project at Rice University. The relationship includes multiple prior SBIR awards, and both sides have said the goal is moving Galvorn cathodes toward a formal program of record.

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Applied Physics, co-authored by DexMat's Dmitri Tsentalovich and Dr. Steven Fairchild of AFRL, found that knitted Galvorn fiber cathodes outperformed standard carbon-fiber cathodes in both continuous and pulsed field emission testing. High-power microwave testing demonstrated that Galvorn-based cathodes could emit more than 20 times the current density of the incumbent cathode material used in high-power microwave systems today, in a form factor that is faster and less costly to manufacture at scale.

"We've been working toward this since Galvorn was still a research project at Rice," said Dmitri Tsentalovich, Ph.D., director of product innovation at DexMat. "AFRL has followed this cathode data for years. This contract is a bet on where that data goes next."

DexMat is in commercial production of Galvorn today, shipping fiber, yarn, fabric, and film to customers across aerospace, defense, and energy. In DexMat's own testing, Galvorn measures 97% as conductive as copper on a per-mass basis, and is one-fifth the density of copper.

About DexMat

DexMat is a U.S.-based company pioneering Galvorn®, a lightweight, flexible, and high-performance conductive material. Invented at Rice University by Nobel Prize-winning scientists, Galvorn offers a unique combination of properties that enables new designs and mitigates system-level trade-offs across demanding applications. Customers in aerospace, space, defense, automotive, energy, and consumer technology are using Galvorn to develop lighter systems, improve durability, and enable applications not possible with traditional materials. Proudly made in America and shipped globally, Galvorn helps industries do more with less. For more information, visit dexmat.com.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings American ingenuity from small businesses and startups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian, and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.

About Air Force Research Laboratory

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center and one of six centers within Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL leads the discovery, development, and delivery of technologies for air, space, and multidomain. With a workforce spanning seven mission areas at more than 40 locations worldwide, AFRL conducts research ranging from basic science to advanced technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

Media Contact

Fiana Tulip
Executive Vice President, Mahoney Communications Group
fiana@mahoneycommunications.com

November 12, 2026 9:00 AM
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NEW YORK, NY

Lucra and Barkie.ai Announce Strategic Partnership to Bring Real-Money Side Games to the Golf Course Through Voice-Activated AI

NEW YORK, NY, November 12, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a partnership with Barkie.ai, the first voice-activated AI golf caddie. Through Lucra's plug-and-play SDK, golfers using Barkie will be able to compete in popular golf games like Nassau, Skins, Wolf, and a wide variety of other traditional side games and challenges, with Barkie’s voice-activated AI handling scoring and Lucra powering the competition and settlement experience for real money or rewards.

Barkie was built so golfers could keep their phones in their pockets and enjoy the game, distraction-free. Players talk to Barkie to post scores, get GPS distances, read greens, and ask for on-course advice and rules questions, all hands-free. Saying "Hey Barkie, put me down for a birdie" logs the score for you. Barkie tracks every side game and press in real time, hole by hole, so the math is done before the group reaches the next tee.

The experience begins before the round even starts, where the group sets the match by voice, naming the format and the desired amount for the game. As each hole wraps up, players call out their scores and Barkie keeps the match current. When the round ends, Lucra settles it. Real-money play is available to eligible players 18+ where permitted, and free-to-play formats with rewards are open to all players. Lucra handles identity verification, geolocation, payments, compliance, fraud prevention, and settlement, so Barkie can stay focused on the golf.

"I came up with the idea for Lucra on a golf course, over a $5 match between friends," said Dylan Robbins, founder and CEO of Lucra. "Every golfer knows that match. Someone keeps score on the card, someone does the math on the 18th green, and someone owes somebody until next time. Barkie handles the scoring and the math by voice, with nobody reaching for a phone. Lucra handles the payout, compliantly, the moment the round ends. From the first tee to the last putt, the match runs itself."

"We built Barkie to let golfers put their phones away and enjoy the game, while making the entire golf experience smarter and more connected,” said Dane Renkert, CEO and co-founder of Barkie.ai. “Competition has always been part of golf, whether it’s a $5 Nassau or a weekend Skins game with friends. By combining Barkie’s voice AI with Lucra’s technology, we’re bringing those experiences together in a way that hasn’t been possible before. We believe this is a major step toward making Barkie the platform golfers turn to every time they play."

For Barkie, the partnership represents a major expansion of its voice-first AI golf platform, combining hands-free scoring, real-time competition, and automated settlement into one experience. By bringing the technology together, Barkie and Lucra aim to make competitive golf more accessible, engaging, and seamless while creating new opportunities for recurring engagement and revenue.

Lucra and Barkie have begun integration, with real-money and free-to-play side games launching inside the Barkie app in spring 2027. Barkie is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

About Lucra

Lucra powers competitive loyalty through a plug-and-play SDK, which integrates into apps or websites and enables tournaments, mini-games, and peer-vs-peer competitions, with real money or rewards. It handles compliance, payments, fraud prevention, and settlement out of the box, so partners can instantly offer gamified experiences without building or managing complex infrastructure themselves. Top entertainment, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Five Iron Golf, Backyard Sports, ChessKings, TouchTunes, and more, use Lucra's white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at playlucra.com.

About Barkie.ai

Barkie.ai is a voice-first AI golf caddie that gets to know your game better than you do. Golfers talk to Barkie before, during, and after the round, scoring by voice, tracking side games in real time, and getting GPS distances, course maps, and 3D green maps for more than 40,000 courses. Every shot trains a model of your game, turning each round into sharper advice and faster improvement, while a social layer no other golf app offers lets golfers connect, compete, and track progress together. Barkie is USGA compatible and works on iPhone, Android, and Apple Watch with no extra hardware. The company was founded by CEO Dane Renkert, a scratch golfer, former Milwaukee Brewers farm system player, and top-15 globally ranked long-drive-competitor with a decade of VP-level leadership in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Learn more at barkie.ai.

Important Disclosures

Contests, competitions, and cash prize matches powered by Lucra are peer-to-peer, skill-based games designed strictly for recreational entertainment. Contests are available solely to eligible individuals who are at least 18 years of age (or the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence) and who are physically located in jurisdictions where real-money skill gaming is permitted by law. Void where prohibited, restricted, or taxed. Lucra is not a sportsbook, casino, gambling operator, or wagering platform, and contests hosted on the platform do not involve games of chance or sports betting. Lucra maintains proprietary compliance infrastructure — including age verification, geolocation verification, fraud monitoring, and secure payment processing — to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws. Participation is governed by Lucra's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Media Contact

Lucra
press@playlucra.com

Barkie.ai
press@barkie.ai

November 12, 2026 8:00 AM
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NEW YORK, NY

Concentrate AI Launches HIPAA-Compliant AI Gateway With One BAA to Simplify Model Access and Reduce Inference Costs

NEW YORK, NY, November 12, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Concentrate AI today announced its healthcare AI gateway, giving healthcare and life sciences companies access to leading frontier and open-weight AI models through a single API and BAA. By managing agreements and access to covered inference services from participating AI providers, Concentrate helps companies avoid the time and expense of negotiating separate contracts and integrating multiple model providers.

Key Takeaways

  • One agreement, more model choice: Healthcare AI companies can access supported models through a single business associate agreement (BAA) and API, without negotiating separate contracts with each provider.
  • Lower costs and faster adoption: Affordable open-weight models for suitable workloads can reduce inference spending and accelerate development.
  • Built for production: Managed LLM operations, security controls, and enterprise governance to help healthcare companies deploy and scale AI applications reliably.

The offering supports eligible models from providers including OpenAI’s GPT, Anthropic’s Claude, and Google’s Gemini through Vertex AI, along with open-weight alternatives that can reduce inference costs.

The launch follows conversations with more than 70 healthcare and life sciences companies, highlighting growing demand for simpler, more affordable access to AI models that meet healthcare security and compliance requirements.

“Healthcare companies should not have to choose between better AI models, lower costs, and protecting patient data,” said Ari Jacoby, co-founder and CEO of Concentrate AI. “We’re removing the barriers to AI adoption so developers can spend less time managing infrastructure and get new AI-powered healthcare products to market faster.”

“As organizations move AI applications into production, model access is becoming a core application platform concern. Development teams want the flexibility to adopt new proprietary and open-weight models as price and performance change, yet each additional provider brings new contracts, security reviews, and integration work,” said Matthew Flug, research manager, Intelligent Application Modernization and Deployment Platforms, at IDC. “In regulated industries such as healthcare, that overhead often delays or prevents model adoption altogether. AI gateways are emerging as a consistent control point in the application platform stack, giving developers one place to route requests, apply governance and access policies, and manage inference spend across providers.”

More Model Choice, Lower Costs

Greater model choice lets healthcare companies select more affordable AI models for suitable workloads, improving margins and making previously cost-prohibitive AI applications viable.

Since launch in June 2026, Concentrate has processed hundreds of millions of requests and trillions of tokens across its platform, supporting customers like Brilliant, Nextiva, Pocket, Proximal, and Tiger Data. It is now working with more than a dozen healthcare companies, including Kinstead, which develops technology to help nurse practitioners launch and manage independent practices, and Hummingbird Healthcare, which helps health systems using Epic improve patient access through technology and managed services.

"At Kinstead, we're building technology to make running a healthcare practice easier. Before Concentrate, the compliance and operational overhead of onboarding new AI providers meant we often wouldn't even consider trying new models," said Nick Catalano, CTO, Kinstead. "Now we can evaluate and deploy new models into production without managing separate vendor relationships and integrations. That lets us focus on building better products, move faster, and keep costs down without compromising compliance."

Beyond model access, Concentrate provides managed LLM operations, including spend management tools, observability, and enterprise governance. Its platform is backed by a SOC 2 Type II report and offers security features such as role-based access controls (RBAC), single sign-on (SSO), supported zero-data-retention (ZDR) endpoints, and multi-cloud resiliency.

Healthcare access is $499 per month, with inference billed at provider rates and no token markups or annual inference spending commitments. For suitable workloads, switching to lower-cost open-weight models can reduce inference costs by up to 70%, depending on performance and latency requirements.

Why It Matters

Healthcare AI is attracting significant investment, but cost and compliance remain obstacles to adoption. According to Rock Health, U.S. digital health startups raised $14.2 billion in 2025, with AI-enabled companies accounting for 54% of funding.

Yet a 2025 study by Bessemer Venture Partners, Bain & Company, and AWS found that only 30% of completed generative AI proof-of-concept projects at surveyed healthcare organizations reached production, with security concerns and costly integrations among the barriers.

Availability

Concentrate’s healthcare gateway is open to any organization that handles PHI or PII, in healthcare or any other industry, under a single BAA with Concentrate. Model coverage is limited to supported inference routes and configurations.

Learn more in the Concentrate AI HIPAA launch blog post, or request a demo at concentrate.ai/hipaa-llm-api.

About Concentrate AI

Based in New York City, Concentrate AI delivers a fully managed LLM gateway that provides companies unified access to leading AI models through a single API. Its platform combines security, governance, compliance, spend controls, and production reliability to help companies build and scale AI applications responsibly, without token markups or vendor lock-in. Learn more at concentrate.ai.

Media Contact

press@concentrate.ai

November 12, 2026 6:33 AM
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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia

FII Institute Announces New Dates for FII10: Oct. 25-28, 2027

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, November 12, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Future Investment Initiative Institute (FII Institute) today announced that the 10th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII10) will take place Oct. 25-28, 2027, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, rescheduled from Oct. 26-29, 2026.

Held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, FII10 will convene under the theme "The Power of Legacy," marking a decade of global investment dialogue, partnerships and impact, while setting the direction for the next decade.

HRH Princess Dr. Maha bint Mishari bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, CEO of FII Institute, said: "We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Kingdom's leadership." She added: "FII10 is a milestone of global significance, marking a decade of bringing together world leaders, investors and decision-makers. The decision to move this landmark edition to October 2027 reflects our commitment to ensuring the highest level of international participation, visibility and impact. We look forward to welcoming our global community to Riyadh for an exceptional 10th anniversary edition."

Ahead of FII10, the institute will continue its global engagement with the FII PRIORITY Miami Summit from March 31 to April 2, 2027, followed by the FII PRIORITY Asia Summit 2027, with dates and a location to be announced soon.

About FII Institute

The FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Through its THINK, XCHANGE, and ACT pillars, the Institute fosters great ideas, empowers innovators, and invests in scalable solutions across critical sectors, including AI and robotics, sustainability, healthcare, and education. For more information, visit fii-institute.org.

Media Contact

media@fii-institute.org
+966 53 978 2030

November 12, 2026 5:00 AM
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NEW YORK, NY

AARON Awards Opens 2027 Entries as AI Moves From Experiment to Industry Standard

NEW YORK, NY, November 12, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The AARON Awards, the first awards program dedicated to AI creativity in advertising, today opened entries for its 2027 edition with a new slate of industry-specific categories built for a market that has moved fast. In its first year, the program drew over a thousand entries from 45 countries, and the largest category was spec work: ads made for brands that never asked for them. This year, organizers expect commissioned brand work to take the lead.

The shift reflects what agencies and brands are seeing on the ground. AI is no longer a side experiment in advertising; it is part of how campaigns get briefed, produced, and shipped. The question is no longer whether AI can make an ad, but whether the ad is any good.

"There's a massive difference between simply making something and making something great," said PJ Pereira, co-founder of SILVERSIDE AI and jury president of the AARON Awards. "The AARON Awards celebrate real makers who are committed to raising the standards of AI in advertising. They refuse to applaud something just because it was made with AI. They're using the technology to push the craft forward, and that's exactly the kind of work we should be celebrating."

Founded by Marie-Céline Merret Wirström and Vinne Schifferstein Vidal, the AARON Awards is a female-founded initiative helping define what creative excellence looks like in the age of AI. Since launching in 2025, the program has grown into a global platform for recognizing the artists, agencies, and brands pushing the boundaries of AI-powered creativity.

New categories for a maturing industry

For 2027, the AARON Awards introduces categories for specific industries, including automotive, fashion, beauty, retail, and technology, recognizing that AI creative work for a car brand faces different challenges than work for a beauty brand. They sit alongside craft and technical categories such as Hybrid Production, Real-Time Experiences, Workflows, and Key Frames. The Spec Ad category returns for independent and self-initiated work.

"Last year, spec advertising was our biggest category. It let artists show what was possible without waiting for a client brief," said Vinne Schifferstein Vidal, co-founder of the AARON Awards and AI-production studio, MC&V. "But the market has moved. We're seeing more AI work commissioned by major brands and more creative professionals making AI central to commercial production. We expect this year's entries to reflect that."

Entries will be judged on creative excellence, originality, craft, and meaningful use of AI. Commercial categories will also be judged on strategic relevance and results.

"As generative AI becomes part of everyday creative workflows, there's more room to take risks and push the craft further," said Marie-Céline Merret Wirström, co-founder and curator of the AARON Awards. "We want to see work that surprises us and takes brand storytelling somewhere new."

A jury drawn from the industry's top creative shops

New to the 2027 jury: PJ Pereira (SILVERSIDE AI), Theresa Ong (Meta), Vix Jagger (Droga5), Maria Devereux (Accenture Song), Charlotte Glennon (Colenso), Caio Del Manto (Euphoria Creative), and Kavan Cardoza (Phantom X), winner of the 2026 AARON Laureate.

Returning judges include Wesley ter Haar (Monks), Craig Elimeliah (Code and Theory), Gabe Michael (ElevenLabs), Arlyn Panopio (Envato), Hugo Barbera (HumAIn), Simon Meyer (Promptr), Chrissie Cremers (AIgency AMS), and Rogier Vijverberg (Superheroes).

Envato and Lighthouse AI Academy return as program partners.

Free to enter through Jan. 15

The AARON Awards is open to independent AI artists, creative studios, production companies, agencies, and in-house brand teams worldwide.

  • Free entry deadline: Jan. 15, 2027
  • Final entry deadline: Feb. 28, 2027 
  • Winners announced: At the global AARON Awards show, mid-April 2027

Enter at aaronawards.com.

About AARON Awards

The AARON Awards is the first global awards program dedicated to creative excellence powered by artificial intelligence in advertising and brand innovation. Founded in 2025, it recognizes the artists, creatives, studios, and teams combining human imagination with AI to advance commercial creativity. The program is named after AARON, one of the earliest AI art systems. Its inaugural 2026 edition drew entries from 45 countries. Learn more at aaronawards.com.

Media Contact

Emma Swanson
Daughter Communications
emma@daughtercomms.co

November 11, 2026 4:55 PM
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LOS ANGELES, CA

SourceX Launches AI Data Licensing Program Paying Businesses Up to $4 Million for Operational Data

LOS ANGELES, CA, November 11, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- SourceX has launched an enterprise data licensing program. Through it, established businesses can license approved operational records for AI training and evaluation. The program advertises compensation of up to $4 million for the largest enterprise datasets, subject to qualification and agreed terms. SourceX also introduced a referral program for advisors who connect it with suitable companies.

Companies spend years paying people to solve difficult problems. SourceX's program is built on the idea that those answers may have another customer.

Years of work can become a licensing asset

A support case that took three departments to resolve. An engineering issue with a documented fix. A workflow that records the decision, the action and the result. Records like these, found in customer support histories, project documentation, internal knowledge bases and engineering systems, often capture the detail a public article leaves out: the sequence of actions that led to a useful outcome.

For a business leader, that changes the question from how much information the company stores to what useful knowledge it can lawfully license.

How the program works

Businesses can begin a fit assessment without uploading records or committing to a transaction. SourceX's initial screening generally looks for companies with at least 50 full-time employees at peak and several years of operating history. Operating businesses, acquired companies and businesses winding down can all be considered, provided an appropriate decision maker takes part.

Company size alone does not establish value. Relevant operating history, original documentation, usable context and licensing rights all matter. A useful first step is an inventory: the systems involved, the years covered, the types of records and who controls them.

Control over the data belongs in the deal

Before any data is licensed, SourceX reviews ownership, customer obligations, employee privacy and any relevant platform restrictions. Material the company lacks permission to share is excluded, or the scope is adjusted. Data in SourceX's care is kept in encrypted storage with named access and a recorded activity history, and records are de-identified before use or onward sharing. De-identification reduces privacy risk but does not eliminate it.

Referral program for advisors

An advisor who knows the right company and its leadership can help start the conversation. The SourceX referral program is designed for professionals with relationships across many businesses. These include private equity operating partners, M&A advisors, fractional CFOs, accountants and IT service providers.

Under the current standard terms, a partner's first qualifying transaction pays the greater of $50,000 plus 5% of the Actual Supplier Payout, or 15% of that payout. Further qualifying transactions agreed within 12 months of the first transaction's closing pay 15%. Rewards are uncapped and apply to transactions with an Actual Supplier Payout of at least $100,000. SourceX funds referral rewards separately from the compensation paid to the supplying company.

Frequently asked questions

What is AI data licensing?

It is an agreement that allows specified data to be used for defined AI purposes, such as model training or evaluation, under negotiated rights and restrictions. SourceX licenses approved business records directly from the company that can authorize the transaction.

What types of data does SourceX license?

Operational records such as customer support histories, project documentation, internal knowledge bases, engineering records and documented business workflows.

Does a business need to upload data to find out if it qualifies?

No. The initial fit assessment does not require uploading records or committing to a transaction.

How much can a business earn?

SourceX advertises up to $4 million for the largest enterprise datasets. That figure is an upper bound, not a typical payout. Any offer depends on qualification, data usefulness, rights review and a signed agreement.

Does the company keep ownership of its data?

Yes. The supplier keeps ownership of its original records. The license granted to SourceX for AI training is defined in the signed deal terms.

Who can join the referral program?

Advisors, operators and other professionals who can introduce suitable businesses. Participation is free.

When is a referral reward paid?

A reward becomes payable only after the qualifying transaction closes, SourceX has paid the referred company, and finance approval plus complete tax and payment details are in place. An introduction, meeting or signed agreement alone does not trigger payment.

The next useful AI dataset could be a company's record of years spent serving customers and solving real problems.

About SourceX

SourceX Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, licenses approved business data directly from companies for AI training and evaluation. The company manages qualification, rights review, agreements, data preparation, delivery and payment. It also operates a referral program for qualifying company introductions. For more information, visit sourcex.si.

About the founder

Noah Loul is the founder and CEO of SourceX. He previously founded B2B Rocket, an AI sales automation company that Blackpearl Group acquired in 2025.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements about SourceX's programs, compensation and referral rewards. These statements reflect current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The up to $4 million figure is an upper bound for the largest enterprise datasets, not a typical or guaranteed payout. All compensation depends on qualification, data review, rights verification and a signed agreement. Referral rewards are governed by SourceX's current program terms, which may change, and are payable only as those terms describe. Nothing in this release is an offer to purchase any specific data or legal, tax, financial or privacy advice. Businesses should consult their own advisors before licensing data. SourceX undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.

November 11, 2026 11:15 AM
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SAINT PAUL, MN

Dr. Jesse Bethke Gomez, PD, Leads Three Big Initiatives Scalable for America to Address a Severe Crisis in Disability Communities

SAINT PAUL, MN, November 11, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Dr. Jesse Bethke Gomez, PD, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), has evidenced a crisis within the disability communities of a severe direct care workforce gap and instability of care creating human suffering. Dr. Bethke Gomez is piloting three big initiatives to increase stability and continuity of care for people with disabilities who rely upon direct care services and supports for daily living, thereby alleviating human suffering.

Thanks to members of the disability community who thought of the idea of a “Service Corps," MCIL has developed “The PCA College Service Corps” which places college students as personal care assistants (PCAs) with people with disabilities who need hands-on help to live at home. The goal of this big initiative is to reduce a workforce gap that affects families, children, adults, and older people, increase community connectivity and invite the postsecondary sector to play a role in solving the crisis. It’s a big initiative that is already seeing positive results.

Direct-care workers assist with everyday activities that include bathing and dressing, eating, medication, and mobility. The country has roughly 7.1 million of them, and there still aren’t enough. Shortages fall hardest on people who have no family member able to fill the gap. When a worker can’t be found, a person may not be able to get out of bed, reach a job or classroom, or stay in their own home.

Students Step in Where Workers Are Missing

MCIL works with more than 35 colleges and universities to recruit students. A person who receives direct care services and is enrolled in the program, called a Participant, can choose a student to be their direct care worker. An organization that supports the Participant employs the student at an hourly wage. Students work about 10 hours a week for up to 30 weeks. MCIL adds a taxable incentive bonus and four stages of mentoring, and a college credit track is in the works so the hours can count toward a degree.

“Every generation of college students brings hope and a desire to change the world for the better, and people who rely on direct care deserve a worker they choose and trust,” said Dr. Bethke Gomez. “This pilot meets a need people have right now. It also shows a lot of young people what caring for someone is actually like and the difference they make in the lives of people.”

Two Leaders Asked, and He Gave His Word

Dr. Bethke Gomez began working on the problem in 2015, soon after becoming MCIL’s executive director, when two leaders with disabilities asked to meet with him about the growing gaps in direct care. He gave them his word he would look for solutions. He later served on a state workgroup on the crisis and was one of the writers of the plan Minnesota approved.

The Corps pilot comes out of that plan’s recommendations. The specific idea came from a committee member whose network supporting people with spinal cord injuries had pushed for it for years. Funding comes from the Margaret A. Cargill Fund of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and legislation for this pilot by the State of Minnesota. MCIL is working on plans for the Corps to become scalable throughout Minnesota and recognizes the need for the Corps nationally.

Another of the recommendations MCIL is well along the way of development, is a certified direct support professional as a credential from college-credit-based curriculum for the homecare sector of our nation’s healthcare system. Dr. Bethke Gomez sees the postsecondary sector as rightfully being part of America’s direct care workforce innovations. Dr. Bethke Gomez believes that the 7.1 million direct care workers across America must have a career pathway to choose to become credentialed as a certified direct support professional, resulting from a college-credit-based educational opportunity. This work is a result of a grant by The Bush Foundation.

This big initiative sees the postsecondary sector expansively throughout the United States of America, credentialing people to become certified direct support professionals through a college-credit-based educational opportunity. The homecare sector is in need of creating this bridge to a credentialed role just as a college-credit-based certified nursing assistant credential has been offered for many years within the medical sector.

The healthcare system has needed the postsecondary sector to create a similar college-credit-based credential role for the homecare sector. This college-credit-based curriculum leading to the credential of a certified direct support professional brings that solution as a direct care workforce innovation.

MCIL studied direct care training programs in all 50 states and, with support from the Bush Foundation, wrote a master curriculum for a college-credit pathway to a certified direct support professional credential, in alignment with the National Direct Services Workforce Resource Center's Core Competencies for Direct Service Workforce Project. MCIL is open to piloting it in Minnesota and other states. The initiative also includes the creation of an accreditation association to establish a standard of excellence by and for postsecondary institutions to deliver an exceptional educational experience for students.

Dr. Bethke Gomez led statewide research assessing the services, needs and gaps for members of the disability community. The research led to the creation of another big initiative to advance stability, continuity of care and independent living: The 7 Life Sustaining Dimensions model, which covers food, housing, healthcare, human services, education & civil rights, employment, and transportation/community connection.

“When families and individuals are stable, communities get stronger, and strong communities support a healthy economy for who we are as a constitutional society,” Dr. Bethke Gomez said. “These three big initiatives are scalable and need to play a larger role in solving the crisis and advance our values as a constitutional society for people to care for one another. We invite all to join us in bringing these solutions to fruition.”

Help Take Three Big Initiatives to Scale

MCIL is launching a $5 million campaign, Removing Barriers, Promoting Choices, to expand the Corps, bring the CDSP pathway to more states, and look at how the work can serve veterans who rely on direct care. It is asking foundations, donor-advised funds, corporations, and individuals to contribute. Gifts help move the pilot toward a wider scale. Colleges and direct care agencies that want to take part can contact MCIL.

About Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)

MCIL, as a Center for Independent Living, is a statutory 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation recognized for advancing independent living for families, children, individuals, and older adults with disabilities, drawing on its research-based 7 Life Sustaining Dimensions framework and its work to solve the direct care workforce crisis while providing multiple services. Its initiatives include the first PCA College Service Corps in the United States, development of a first college credit-based postsecondary credential of a certified direct support professional, and the $5 million Removing Barriers, Promoting Choices Philanthropic Campaign to bring these to scale and strengthen MCIL’s ability to do so. Dr. Jesse Bethke Gomez, PD, received his Professional Doctorate in Healthcare Executive Leadership and direct care workforce innovation from European International University, Paris, France. For more information, visit mcil-mn.org.

November 11, 2026 11:06 AM
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OMAHA, NE

LovelySkin Voted No. 1 Beauty Retailer in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice™ Awards

OMAHA, NE, November 11, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- LovelySkin, the dermatologist-owned online retailer of skincare, hair care, and beauty products, announced today that it has been voted No. 1 Beauty Retailer in the 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards. The win reflects nearly three decades of dedication to customer service.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger and his wife, Nancy Schlessinger, founded LovelySkin in 1997. It started as a small fulfillment operation inside an Omaha dermatology clinic, shipping one or two orders a week. Today, it carries about 15,000 products from more than 350 authorized brands, including medical-grade and professional products usually found only in physicians' offices, and serves well over a million customers. In 2024, the company celebrated 25 years by opening a 75,000-square-foot headquarters and fulfillment center in Gretna, Nebraska, built for faster shipping and future growth.

"When we started out, the goal was simple: give people access to the same products and guidance they'd get in a dermatologist's office," said Dr. Joel Schlessinger, founder and CEO of LovelySkin. "Being chosen by Newsweek readers, ahead of some of the biggest names in beauty, tells us that a dermatologist's standard for quality and service still matters to shoppers. We're grateful to every customer who voted, and to our team in Nebraska, who earn that trust with every order."

LovelySkin offers brands ranging from SkinCeuticals, skinbetter science, Obagi, Revision Skincare, SkinMedica, Jane Iredale, Colorescience, Pureology, Redken, Living Proof, ALASTIN Skincare, and products developed by its dermatologist owners, FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Balm, the LovelySkin LUXE line of products, and hundreds of other high-end brands.

"People want to feel good about what they're putting on their skin and who they're buying it from," said Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist and medical director of LovelySkin. "As a dermatologist-owned and -operated, family-run company, we've built LovelySkin around giving customers that trust. Every product is 100% authentic, every brand is personally vetted by two board-certified dermatologists, and everything happens in-house. When someone reaches out for help, they're talking to our own team right here in Nebraska. My family and our entire staff even personally help to pack your orders during Black Friday weekend. It's a personal approach that is increasingly hard to find when shopping online, and we're proud to be recognized for it."

The Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and experiences across a wide range of consumer categories. Nominees are selected by Newsweek editors and panelists, with readers and consumers then invited to vote for their favorites. The results determine each nominee's final placement within its respective category.

The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including the Beauty Retailer category, where LovelySkin was voted No. 1.

"In a beauty market filled with choice, LovelySkin has distinguished itself through expertise, trust, and a deeply personal approach to customer care," said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. "Being voted No. 1 Best Beauty Retailer by Newsweek readers is a meaningful reflection of the connection the company has built with the consumers it serves."

FAQ

1. How can I tell if skincare I bought online is counterfeit?

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If the website takes pains to hide who they are, who owns them, and how to contact them, that is a sign that they may be dealing in bad business practices. If the bottle appears damaged, tampered with, or doesn't match the description that you saw online, that is a sign that it might not be authentic. Even products that look like the ones you have purchased before can sometimes be fakes. LovelySkin's dermatologist owners advise buying only from authorized resellers, because counterfeits are often hard to spot by eye. Warning signs include prices far below retail, damaged or resealed packaging, and missing lot codes or expiration dates. LovelySkin is a 100% authorized reseller of every product it sells and sources directly from manufacturers. It also appears on the official list of authorized resellers from numerous companies, such as SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, and Obagi.

2. Where can I buy authentic SkinCeuticals, skinbetter science, and Obagi online?

LovelySkin is an authorized online retailer of each and every product it sells, including SkinCeuticals, skinbetter science, and Obagi, and it buys every product directly from the manufacturer. Founded in 1997 by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger, LovelySkin carries 15,000 products from more than 350 authorized brands, including Revision Skincare, Colorescience, Eminence Organics, and ALASTIN Skincare. Standard U.S. shipping is free on every order.

3. Where can I buy medical-grade skincare without a dermatologist appointment?

LovelySkin, an online retailer owned and run by board-certified dermatologists, sells medical-grade and professional skincare without an appointment. The products are typically found in physicians' offices, and the dermatologists personally vet every brand. Orders ship free within the U.S., and 98% arrive within two to three business days. Prescription-only products can't be sold online and still require a physician.

4. What's the difference between medical-grade and drugstore skincare?

At LovelySkin, the dermatologist-owned retailer voted No. 1 Beauty Retailer by Newsweek readers, "medical-grade" refers to professional brands usually sold through physicians' offices. It isn't an official FDA category. These products often use higher concentrations of active ingredients and are backed by clinical testing. Drugstore products can work well but are made for mass retail, often formulated with ingredients of lesser quality and more preservatives, and are not carried by LovelySkin. LovelySkin's dermatologists vet every professional and everyday brand it carries.

5. How do I know what products are right for my skin?

LovelySkin's Customer Care team includes trained aestheticians and product experts who recommend products by skin type and concern, at no charge. Our customer service picks up the phone when you call and works to find you the right product. Start by identifying your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone) and your main goal. LovelySkin's blog has dermatologist-reviewed guides for each. At its Omaha retail store, a licensed aesthetician is always on staff and VISIA skin imaging consultations are available. For persistent skin conditions, see a dermatologist.

6. I'd like to try a product before buying. How can I get a sample?

LovelySkin includes free samples that you actually choose yourself with every order, and the selection changes daily. Shoppers at LovelySkin's Omaha retail store get the largest deluxe samples available. In most cases, samples can't be bought separately. The exception is Oxygenetix foundations, which offer samples for color matching.

About LovelySkin

LovelySkin is the largest dermatologist-owned and -operated skin, hair, and beauty website in the world. Founded in 1997 by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger, LovelySkin offers 15,000 products from more than 350 authorized brands, including professional and medical-grade formulas and its own LovelySkin LUXE line. The company serves nearly two million customers, offers free U.S. shipping on every order, and is headquartered in Gretna, Nebraska. For more information, visit lovelyskin.com.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit newsweek.com.

Media Contact

Ashlei Johansen
Content Manager, LovelySkin
PR@LovelySkin.com
+1 877-754-6222

November 11, 2026 9:08 AM
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PROVIDENCE, RI

JWU Online Three-Year Degrees Cut 30 Credits From Bachelor's Programs

PROVIDENCE, RI, November 11, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Students at Johnson & Wales University's online campus, JWU Online, can earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, criminal justice or hospitality management with 30 fewer credits than a traditional 120-credit degree, finishing in the equivalent of three years of full-time study instead of four.

Johnson & Wales University introduced the programs in Fall 2025 in response to rising college costs. The online campus is now enrolling three-year program students for its January 11, 2027 semester.

Average published tuition and fees at private nonprofit four-year colleges reached $45,000 for 2025-26, up 4.0% from the year before, according to the College Board's Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025 report. At public four-year schools, in-state tuition and fees averaged $11,950. Public colleges offering online degrees average $10,680, while private colleges offering online degrees average $16,260 per year, based on a 30-credit, full-time course load.

At JWU Online, the 30 fewer credits work out to about $14,850 in tuition, based on the current rate of $495 per credit. Additionally, graduates complete their degrees and get into the workforce or advance in their current positions one year faster.

"We have a long history of responding to the needs and demands of students and we are constantly thinking about how to deliver a high-quality education in a way that fits with what students and families want. We hear a couple of concerns fairly frequently; first a concern for cost — students want less of a financial burden," said Mim L. Runey, LP.D., Chancellor of Johnson & Wales University.

"Secondly, we hear that students want to get into the workforce faster and to get practical experience. Through this degree, we have been careful to ensure that the practical experiential learning that is a hallmark of JWU education is integrated into this degree as well," Runey continued.

The shorter path does not depend on heavier course loads. Students complete the same 42-credit Arts and Sciences Core Experience and the same major courses required in the four-year version of each degree. The difference comes from electives outside general education. Students also complete a Work-Integrated Learning requirement, which they can meet through a current job, military service, community service or earned certificates.

As of the Fall 2026 semester, JWU Online has 52 students enrolled in the computer science, criminal justice and hospitality management three-year programs.

"After more than 30 years in hospitality, when I decided to return to academics, JWU felt like the right place," said George Stinson '28, a hospitality management student. "The 90-credit hospitality management program and the reputation of the school really drew me in. I'd already completed undergrad credits and liked the idea of finishing in the shorter time frame, so it's a great fit. From help with collecting transcripts to the outreach from academics, financial aid, and the Work-Integrated Learning advisors, I've felt attended to every step of the way."

The university has accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. The programs are eligible for federal financial aid like all other degrees. The three-year option is designed for students transferring 30 or fewer credits, and each degree is also offered in its traditional 120- or 121-credit format. For more information, visit the university's three-year degree programs.

About JWU Online

JWU Online is the online campus of Johnson & Wales University, a private university founded in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1914. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and certificates in fields including business, hospitality, criminal justice, health science, psychology and technology, with curricula developed in collaboration with employers. More information is available at online.jwu.edu.

Media Contact

JWU Online
jwuonline@jwu.edu

November 11, 2026 8:58 AM
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WUHU, China

Beyond Crash Tests: How CHERY Is Shaping Global Family-Oriented Safety

WUHU, China, November 11, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- On Oct. 22, 2026, CHERY staged a public test at its Longshan crash laboratory in Wuhu, Anhui province, in which a TIGGO7 collided with a truck at 50 km/h. Results released by CHERY showed that the A-pillars, B-pillars, and doors remained intact, the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners activated, and the eCall system triggered automatically.

(Note: This demonstration was a manufacturer-conducted internal test under controlled laboratory conditions, not an official NCAP crash assessment or certified regulatory rating. Real-world collision outcomes vary depending on vehicle mass, angle of impact, and road conditions.)

The demonstration forms part of CHERY's continuing safety testing across global markets. From body structures to batteries, test scenarios increasingly reflect risks encountered in local use. For Chinese carmakers expanding internationally, maintaining safety performance across different regulations, assessment systems, and operating conditions is becoming an important long-term challenge.

Beyond Individual Ratings: Testing for Different Markets

Since 2025, CHERY has held public safety challenges in China and overseas, extending the focus from structural load-bearing capacity to hybrid battery performance in demanding environments.

In April 2025, vehicle-stacking and crash tests in China examined body structures under extreme loads and collision forces. Tests subsequently addressed risks in other markets. In Indonesia, against a backdrop of high temperatures, humidity, and flooding risk in Southeast Asia, a battery was submerged in salt water about one metre deep for 53 hours and 51 minutes to assess sealing, insulation, and corrosion resistance. It was then reinstalled in a vehicle for operational checks. In Mexico, a vehicle struck a 242-mm-high obstacle at 30 km/h to examine the battery pack's structural condition after an impact from below, reflecting risks from potholes and raised obstacles.

In South Africa, a two-vehicle TIGGO9 collision and a subsequent small-overlap crash test examined structural performance and occupant protection in different types of impact. In 2026, testing extended to high-temperature battery safety: a fire test in Malaysia exposed a battery to temperatures above 1,000°C and sustained flames. A head-on collision between a TIGGO7 and a truck in Wuhu that October further examined vehicle structures and restraint systems.

These tests involved models on sale, including TIGGO7, TIGGO8, and TIGGO9. They covered body structures, crash protection, battery sealing, insulation, and exposure to heat, salt water, and impacts from below, translating local operating risks into specific test scenarios.

Formal safety assessments provide a separate measure. The TIGGO7 series has received five-star ratings from C-NCAP, Euro NCAP, ANCAP, and ASEAN NCAP, with the Euro NCAP and ANCAP results published by the respective organisations. The TIGGO8 series has received five-star ratings in China, Europe, and Australia, while TIGGO4 has also received an ANCAP five-star rating. According to results published by ASEAN NCAP in December 2025, TIGGO7 PHEV scored 94.68 points and five stars under its 2021–2025 protocol. The organisation described this as its highest overall score since it was established in 2011.

NCAP programmes differ in their test methods, assessment criteria, and vehicle versions. Bespoke safety challenges are not equivalent to standardised crash assessments. For global carmakers, the challenge is to apply a consistent approach to safety development while addressing local regulations and road conditions.

From Safety to "For Family": Connecting Engineering and Brand Values

Safety is both an engineering issue and an important consideration for families choosing a vehicle. As competition increasingly extends beyond equipment and price to brand values, carmakers must consider how to understand and meet families' long-term needs.

At the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, CHERY introduced its "For Family" brand proposition globally. It grouped family mobility needs into three connected areas: "Space. For Family," "Safety. For Family," and "Technology. For Family." The approach seeks to take family needs beyond individual model positioning and into product development, technology applications, and customer service.

Safety underpins that approach. Body structures, active safety systems, and battery protection in new energy vehicles must perform in different environments and real-world situations. Carmakers operating across countries and regions must account for roads, climate, and user habits as well as local regulations and assessment requirements.

Families' expectations are also broadening. Flexible interiors, easier-to-use intelligent technology, and powertrains that balance performance with everyday running costs are changing what buyers expect from family travel. "For Family" brings these needs together: safety provides protection, space supports comfort, and technology makes the benefits of innovation accessible at a reasonable cost.

Seen in this light, "For Family" is not simply about the conventional family car. It treats family needs as something shared across markets and cultures. CHERY's ability to translate that proposition into products and services suited to different markets will be an important test of its global brand development.

Owner Experiences Add Another Perspective

Alongside testing and formal assessments, owners' experiences offer another way to consider the value of vehicle safety.

In May 2025, the company announced Guardian Club and introduced its CHERY FAMILY CARE service brand, collecting accounts of safety-related incidents from users in different countries. The platform has so far gathered stories from nearly 10 owners in countries including Indonesia, South Africa, Türkiye, and Peru.

Their accounts include vehicles protecting occupants in collisions and active safety features helping drivers avoid hazards. Unlike standardised laboratory data, owner testimony describes how safety technology is experienced in daily life. Individual cases cannot replace professional testing, but they can help explain why safety matters to families beyond vehicle specifications.

(Note: Owner accounts describe individual incidents and do not guarantee identical outcomes in all accidents. Occupant safety depends on collision severity, proper seat-belt use, and adherence to manufacturer maintenance guidelines.)

From public crash tests to owners' accounts, safety communications are broadening from demonstrations of product capability to user participation and shared values, connecting with the family needs behind "For Family."

From Market Expansion to Long-Term Trust

For CHERY, which operates in more than 120 countries and regions and serves over 4.5 million family users, globalisation means more than expanding sales. It also brings different regulations, road conditions, and customer needs. Formal assessments, continuing safety tests, and user feedback offer distinct perspectives on the company's safety capabilities across markets.

Drawing on its global research, manufacturing, sales, and service networks, CHERY is also using CHERY FAMILY CARE to address family needs throughout product development and ownership.

A crash test shows how a vehicle performs under specific conditions. A five-star rating reflects its results within a particular assessment framework. Lasting brand trust, however, depends on sustained product performance and ownership experience. The connection between safety and family needs helps explain CHERY's global brand strategy, reflecting a wider shift among Chinese carmakers from exporting products to building trust.

Media Contact

Tianyi Zhang
CHERY
zhangtianyi1@mychery.com

November 10, 2026 1:48 PM
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NEW YORK, NY

Findmykids Releases Analysis of How Far U.S. Children Travel From Home Each Month

NEW YORK, NY, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Findmykids, a family location app, has released an analysis of how far U.S. children ages 7 to 17 travel from home over a month and over a typical school week. Half of the 7-year-olds in the analysis were more than 14.4 miles from home at least once during a single month. Among 17-year-olds, the median farthest point reached 24.1 miles.

The full analysis draws on anonymized, aggregated location data from 6,589 U.S. children whose families use Findmykids. Distances were measured in a straight line from home to the farthest point recorded between September 8 and October 7, 2026.

One caveat shapes every number: the data does not show whether a parent was with the child. A single drive to a grandparent's house can set a child's monthly figure.

Key Findings

  • Farthest point in a month: The median rose from 14.4 miles at age 7 (111 children) to 24.1 miles at age 17 (390 children).
  • No single turning point: Medians tend to be higher among older children, but they don't climb steadily. The 8-year-old median, 20.9 miles, sits above those for ages 9 and 10. Differences between neighboring ages were too uncertain to call any age a jump.
  • A couple of miles is routine: In one school week, 69.8% of 7-year-olds and 69.0% of 17-year-olds were more than 1.9 miles from home on at least three of five weekdays.
  • Places kids keep returning to: In a separate week-long sample of 1,952 children, 36.1% had a recurring place outside home. The farthest such place was a median 2.8 miles away, visited four days a week.

A School Week, Not Just a Long Trip

A monthly maximum can come from one outing. To look at routine, the analysts measured on how many of five weekdays a child was, at some point, more than 1.9 miles from home.

The result held at both ends of the age range: about seven in 10 children at 7 and at 17. The 7-year-olds were the smallest group, 53 children, so their figure is the less certain of the two. Shares dipped at ages 8 and 9, to 54.3% and 51.7%, and the data does not explain why. For most children in the sample, being a couple of miles from home is an ordinary weekday, not an event.

Some of that distance follows a pattern. A recurring place was defined as somewhere a child spent at least 20 minutes on three or more days in the week. The data does not identify what these places are: a school, a practice field and a grandparent’s house look the same on a map.

Far From Home Is Not the Same as on Their Own

How far a child’s week reaches and how far a child goes without an adult are separate measures. The Findmykids data captures the first. The second is a decision parents make.

Research indicates parents approach independent mobility with caution. According to a 2016 study of 497 U.S. parents published in Preventive Medicine Reports, about half of 7-year-olds were permitted outside unsupervised only within their own yard or driveway. Independent range expanded with age and perceived neighborhood safety: children were four times more likely to have a wider roaming radius if their parents viewed the neighborhood as safe. Additionally, a 2022 review of 53 studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health identified several other key variables, including a child's confidence, parental trust, local traffic, and distance to destinations.

That autonomy plays a significant role in childhood development. A 2024 review of 23 studies in the Journal of Transport & Health linked independent mobility to improved spatial navigation skills along with social and emotional growth, though the authors noted that relatively few studies measure those outcomes directly.

“Parents often ask us what the right age is to let a child go out alone. Our data shows that most kids already cover real distance every week, but it can’t tell you whether a child is ready,” said Maria Novak, Partner Manager at Findmykids. “The better question is whether this child is ready for this route. Distance is something families can see; readiness is something they build together.”

No Single Age for Going Out Alone

A fenced backyard, a friend’s house two streets away and a park across a busy road each ask for different skills. The age guidance that exists is tied to specific situations. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children usually aren’t ready to walk to school without an adult until about fifth grade, or around age 10. Safe Kids Worldwide advises that children under 10 cross streets with an adult, since most can’t yet judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars. Both stress that every child is different.

Readiness is also negotiated. University of British Columbia researchers interviewed 105 Canadian children ages 10 to 13 and 135 of their parents. They found mismatches both ways: some children wanted more freedom than parents would give, and some parents were ready to give more than the child wanted. The authors suggest treating the child as a participant in the decision.

Findmykids suggests three steps for planning a first solo route together:

  1. Pick one short, familiar route, such as to a friend’s house or a place the child goes several days a week, and check it for busy roads and crossings. Familiar isn’t the same as safe.
  2. Walk it together a few times with the child leading, then let them try it while you stay close.
  3. Agree on boundaries and check-ins, such as a call, a text or an arrival notification. Check-ins help parents know where a child is; they don’t show whether the child is ready.

Two answers say a lot about readiness: what the child would do if they got hurt, and what they would do if a friend wanted to go past the boundary. When the answers hold and the route goes smoothly, the next one can be a little longer.

Methodology

  • Source: Anonymized, aggregated location data from U.S. users of the Findmykids app, ages 7 to 17. Age comes from the birth date entered in the app or, if missing, the stated age. Distances were calculated in kilometers and converted to miles.
  • Farthest distance: 6,589 children, September 8 to October 7, 2026, each with at least five well-observed days. Measured in a straight line from the child’s home area to the farthest recorded point, not along a route.
  • Weekday routine: 4,287 children from the same sample with data on all five weekdays of one school week in early October 2026; threshold 3 km (1.9 miles).
  • Recurring places: A separate, later sample of 1,952 children with a full week of data in early October 2026. Figures from the two samples should not be combined.
  • Age differences: For each pair of neighboring ages, the analysts estimated the difference in medians with a 95% interval, built by resampling accounts and adjusted for multiple comparisons. Every interval included zero.
  • Not measured: Whether an adult was present, how the child traveled, and what the places were.
  • Limits: Results describe Findmykids users, not all U.S. children. GPS gaps, how home was identified and different observation lengths affect precision; teens were observed a few days longer than 7-year-olds on average.

Charts, the full methodology and the FAQ are available in the Findmykids data hub.

About Findmykids

Findmykids is a family location app that shows the whole family on one map, from children to partners and older relatives. Parents can mark a place and be notified when a child arrives at or leaves it, and can reach a child with a Loud Signal that rings even when the phone is on silent. On the child's side, it works on a phone or a GPS watch. For more information, visit findmykids.org.

Media Contact

Maria Novak
Partner Manager, Findmykids
mnovak@findmykids.org
+1 830-410-8165

November 10, 2026 12:59 PM
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KEARNY, NJ

13 Mari Announced as Winner of Edison Patent Award in Environmental Innovation Category

KEARNY, NJ, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- 13 Mari, a maritime technology company focused on improving vessel efficiency through applied physics and engineering, has announced that its patent, "Method, System, and Apparatus for Reducing Fluid Drag" (U.S. Patent No. 11,946,497 B2), has been selected to receive the 2026 Edison Patent Award in the Environmental category. Presented by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the award recognizes patented innovations that address meaningful challenges through scientific research and technological development. The recognition highlights 13 Mari's ongoing work in developing practical solutions that support more efficient vessel operation while contributing to long-term environmental objectives.

The Edison Patent Awards celebrate inventions that demonstrate originality, practical value, and broader societal impact. Patents are evaluated on several factors, including the significance of the problem addressed, the novelty of the invention, its utility, and its potential commercial impact. Receiving recognition through this program places 13 Mari's patented technology among a group of innovations selected for their contribution to applied research and engineering.

The recognized patent introduces a method for reducing fluid drag by influencing the flow of water around a vessel through specially designed passive elements. Installed on a ship's hull, these components manage boundary layer behavior, helping reduce energy losses associated with turbulence while improving the efficiency of water flow. Because the system functions without additional power requirements or major structural modifications, it is designed as a practical solution that can be incorporated into existing vessels while limiting operational disruption. The same intellectual property also presents additional applications beyond maritime transportation, reflecting the broader engineering principles behind the invention.

This recognition arrives during an important stage of the company's intellectual property strategy. The awarded patent also serves as the foundation for a continuation-in-part filing currently progressing through international patent procedures across multiple jurisdictions. As 13 Mari continues expanding its intellectual property portfolio, the company views the patented technology as a central component supporting future research, commercialization, and collaboration opportunities.

Krassi Fotev, founder of 13 Mari, says, "Every stage of this work has been guided by the belief that careful observation of physical processes can lead to practical engineering improvements. Receiving recognition for this patent encourages us to continue refining ideas that can provide lasting value for vessel operators while contributing to more efficient transportation."

The company's research has consistently focused on improving vessel performance through relatively simple physical principles. Instead of relying on extensive modifications to ships, 13 Mari has concentrated on understanding how water interacts with a hull and identifying opportunities to improve that interaction through carefully engineered passive components. This direction reflects the company's broader mission of developing technologies that combine operational practicality with measurable efficiency improvements.

13 Mari's technology is based on the principle that improving vessel efficiency can create value for both environmental goals and fleet operations. By reducing the resistance experienced as a ship moves through water, its solution is designed to help vessels use energy more efficiently. The company's passive elements are developed to work alongside existing vessel designs and propulsion systems, allowing operators to explore efficiency improvements without requiring fundamental changes to their fleets.

"The most sustainable solutions are those that create practical value for the people using them. When a technology helps vessels operate more efficiently and provides economic benefits, it creates a stronger pathway for adoption across the maritime sector," Fotev explains.

As part of its future plans, 13 Mari aims to further develop computational methods that can support vessel optimization and expand the application of its technology. The company continues exploring opportunities to collaborate with organizations that share an interest in advancing maritime efficiency through engineering innovation.

"The future of transportation depends on finding solutions that connect scientific understanding with real-world applications," Fotev remarks. "Our goal is to continue learning from the physics of fluid movement and develop technologies that help vessels operate more efficiently while creating meaningful benefits for owners and operators."

About 13 Mari

13 Mari is a maritime technology company developing innovative passive hull technology designed to improve vessel efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and lower carbon emissions across the global shipping industry. Its proprietary technology uses specially engineered composite elements attached to a vessel's hull to reduce hydrodynamic drag, improving fuel efficiency without requiring external power, moving parts, or structural modifications. Designed for both existing vessels and newbuilds, the solution offers shipowners and operators a practical way to reduce operating costs while supporting maritime decarbonisation efforts. The company reports potential fuel savings of 3–7%, with its technology validated through accredited tow-tank testing and progressing into commercial vessel deployments. For more information, visit 13mari.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release regarding anticipated fuel savings, commercial adoption, ongoing patent prosecution, and operational performance reflect current projections and testing results. Actual performance may vary depending on vessel specifications, operational conditions, and hull configuration. 13 Mari assumes no obligation to update these statements as developments unfold.

Media Contact

Krassi Fotev
media@13mari.com

November 10, 2026 11:02 AM
EDT
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SAN CARLOS, CA

Switch Bioworks and International Scientists Set Direction for Nitrogen Fixation in Nature Biotechnology

SAN CARLOS, CA, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Switch Bioworks, a deep-tech company developing genetic control systems for the next era of biomanufacturing, starting with nitrogen biofertilizer, led a commentary published today in Nature Biotechnology that charts a path to accelerate the development and commercialization of biological nitrogen fertilizers. The commentary comes at a pivotal moment, as mounting pressures on food security, climate, and global supply chains converge with breakthroughs in genetic engineering and AI, creating new opportunities to transform nitrogen fertilizer production — an essential foundation of the modern food system.

Titled "The next frontier in nitrogen fixation," the commentary brings together four Switch Bioworks scientists and researchers from leading international institutions: the University of Oxford, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Federal University of Paraná, and the John Innes Centre.

Scientists have long pursued nitrogen-fixing bacteria as an alternative to conventional fertilizer. The potential impact is substantial: cereal crops, including corn, wheat and rice, supply roughly half of humanity’s dietary calories and depend on nitrogen fertilizer to maintain high yields. Conventional fertilizer production relies heavily on fossil fuels, while application contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Unlocking the potential of biological nitrogen fixation at commercially meaningful performance could fundamentally change how the world feeds itself.

The commentary identifies a fundamental biological trade-off at the center of this challenge. Naturally occurring nitrogen-fixing bacteria generally retain the nitrogen they produce for their own growth. Genetic engineering can enable bacteria to release ammonia that plants can use, but doing so can compromise their ability to grow, establish and compete with other microorganisms on plant roots. These challenges, compounded by inconsistent root colonization across soil types, limited access to energy from plant root exudates, and gaps in scientific validation, have hindered commercial progress and investor confidence in the field.

The authors identify four priorities for unlocking commercially viable biological nitrogen fixation: designing diverse microbial communities that can establish across varying soil conditions; engineering genetic systems that separate microbial growth from nitrogen production; modifying plant traits to better support nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and establishing rigorous testing standards to demonstrate nitrogen delivery to crops under real-world conditions.

Growth-production programming, a central theme of the commentary, is also at the heart of Switch Bioworks' technology and its recently announced strategic collaboration with Bayer Crop Science. The approach uses genetic switches that allow engineered microbes to first establish and multiply on plant roots before activating nitrogen production. Complementing this approach, Switch is advancing data-driven and machine learning methods to design diverse microbial consortia, with each member engineered using growth-production programming to improve performance across varying field conditions.

"Nature figured out how to fix nitrogen billions of years ago. Our challenge is engineering biology to do it reliably, at scale, and at a cost that competes with industrial production. This commentary lays out what it will take. With AI accelerating biological discovery and engineering, we're entering a new era where programmable living systems can manufacture what we need, where we need it — without massive industrial infrastructure. Nitrogen fertilizer is just the beginning," said Dr. Tim Schnabel, founder and CEO of Switch Bioworks and senior author of the commentary.

Even partial replacement of conventional fertilizer could have considerable environmental benefits. The authors estimate that just 10% to 20% replacement could eliminate tens of millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions from fertilizer manufacturing annually while reducing nitrogen losses from agricultural fields and improving farmers' bottom lines.

“To make real progress, we need to break the nitrogen fixation challenge into solvable scientific problems — and prove that our solutions work. Improved plant growth alone doesn't demonstrate that bacteria have transferred fixed nitrogen to crops," said Dr. Timothy Haskett, first author of the commentary and principal scientist at Switch Bioworks. "We need methodical studies that confirm nitrogen transfer, followed by field trials that measure root colonization and plant nitrogen status using appropriate controls."

“We have been trying to make biological nitrogen fixation work for cereals for decades. I think what we need now is a clear understanding of what success should look like and how to prove it. This framework can help researchers and developers work toward the same goals, with clear priorities and evidence to support progress,” said Dr. Emanuel Maltempi de Souza, professor at the Federal University of Paraná in Brazil and a co-author of the commentary.

Turning the roadmap outlined in the commentary into commercial products requires complex genetic engineering, rigorous field testing, and regulatory review, paving the way for a new category of engineered microbial biofertilizers. Switch Bioworks is helping lead regulatory progress in this emerging category, having secured first-in-class authorizations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency and approvals from Brazil’s National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio).

The commentary, "The next frontier in nitrogen fixation," is available in Nature Biotechnology.

About Switch Bioworks

Switch Bioworks is the deep-tech company powering the next industrial revolution. Its first foothold is the more than $100 billion nitrogen fertilizer market that underpins the world's food system, where the company has developed a breakthrough programmable biology platform that enables engineered microbes to replace fossil fuel-derived fertilizer at a fraction of today's cost. Headquartered in San Carlos, California, Switch was founded out of Stanford University in 2022 and is backed by leading investors and a world-class team. The same core technology that turns microbes into programmable fertilizer factories in nature extends across agriculture, energy, industrial biotechnology, and the microbiomes that shape human health — a platform poised to redefine humanity's relationship with manufacturing and nature. Learn more at switchbioworks.com.

Media Contact

Sarah McAllister
Mahoney Communications Group
sarah@mahoneycommunications.com

November 10, 2026 10:28 AM
EDT
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CANTON, MI

eTutorWorld Voted No. 1 in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Online Tutoring Company

CANTON, MI, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- eTutorWorld, an online education service for K-12 students that provides live online tutoring and test prep solutions, announced today that it has been voted No. 1 for "Best Online Tutoring" in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards. eTutorWorld ranked No. 1 in a field of 10, outranking other companies that included Tutor.com, Varsity Tutors, Sylvan Learning, Wyzant, and Khan Academy.

Founded in 2008, eTutorWorld provides one-to-one K-12 online tutoring in math, science, coding, AI, English, Spanish, and social studies. It also offers test prep tutoring for the SAT, ACT, AP, STAAR, SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, CogAT, and i-Ready. With more than 300,000 tutoring sessions delivered, the company serves families in the U.S., Canada, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and beyond. Its mission is to make high-quality one-to-one tutoring accessible to all.

When a child gets stuck on a concept, having someone who knows them and can explain it in a way that makes sense can make all the difference. At eTutorWorld, each student works with a dedicated, expert tutor in live, one-to-one Zoom sessions. Students can ask questions as they come up, take their time working through difficult problems, and get help where they need it. AI-assisted tools offer additional practice between sessions, and homeschooling families can also work with tutors to support their child’s curriculum.

Children don’t all learn at the same pace or in the same way. eTutorWorld’s Learning by Design™ approach takes these differences into account, putting each student’s individual learning needs at the center of instruction. The process starts with diagnostic assessments to identify each student’s strengths, learning gaps, and areas that need attention. Tutors then use these insights to create personalized learning plans and adapt lessons as the student progresses. Formative and summative assessments help track understanding along the way, while homework after each session gives students an opportunity to practice and apply what they’ve learned. Parents receive regular progress reports to see how their child is doing and where they may need further support.

Learning with eTutorWorld doesn’t end when a tutoring session is over. Students can revisit session recordings for up to one month and access eTutorWorld’s repository of more than 20,000 practice questions to review concepts and get extra practice. Together, these resources give students the opportunity to revisit their tutor’s explanations and put their understanding to the test on their own time.

Finding the right tutoring support should fit into a family’s routine and budget. eTutorWorld offers affordable one-to-one tutoring with flexible scheduling to work around students’ school and other commitments, along with a free trial lesson so parents can experience the service before making a commitment. Families also have the reassurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 90-day Grade Improvement Guarantee. eTutorWorld’s 24/7 customer support and 4.8 out of 5 RaveCapture rating further reflect its focus on the family experience.

As AI becomes more widely used in education, educators and parents are increasingly concerned about its impact on independent learning. A June 2026 NPR/Ipsos poll found that 39% of surveyed K-12 teachers now require more assignments to be completed in class because of AI. eTutorWorld believes AI is most effective when it complements, rather than replaces, a student's own thinking and guidance from an experienced tutor. Its AI-assisted tools provide additional opportunities to practice concepts and reinforce understanding alongside one-on-one instruction. The company also offers dedicated AI programs for middle and high school students, helping them understand the technology and explore its applications.

“It means a great deal to us to be recognized by the families we’re here to serve,” said Mukul Agrawal, CEO of eTutorWorld. “Every student comes to us with a different starting point, a different challenge, and a different goal. Our job is to meet them where they are and help them move forward. Having Newsweek readers recognize that work is something our entire team can be proud of.”

The Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and experiences across a wide range of consumer categories. Nominees are independently selected by Newsweek’s editorial team and industry panelists, with final rankings determined by public voting. Readers vote for the companies and organizations they believe deliver exceptional quality, value, and customer experience.

The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including Online Tutoring, where eTutorWorld was ranked No. 1.

“In a crowded marketplace, the opinions of consumers are a powerful measure of what stands out,” said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. “Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards give our readers a voice in recognizing the brands, products, and experiences they value most. We’re proud to celebrate this year’s winners.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes eTutorWorld one of the best online tutoring companies for K-12 students?

eTutorWorld's Learning by Design™ methodology helps tutors identify learning gaps, create individualized plans, and adapt instruction as students progress. Each student works with a dedicated tutor for K-12 subjects, test preparation, or homeschooling.

2. What is the Learning by Design™ methodology, and how does it help students improve academically?

eTutorWorld's Learning by Design™ methodology follows four stages: Diagnose, Design, Deliver, and Refine. Tutors begin by assessing a student's understanding and identifying learning gaps (Diagnose). They then create an individualized learning plan based on the student's needs and academic goals (Design). Through one-on-one tutoring, tutors deliver targeted instruction to help students strengthen skills and master concepts (Deliver). Finally, they monitor progress and adjust the learning plan as needed (Refine). This structured approach helps students receive focused support while building understanding and confidence over time.

3. Does eTutorWorld offer a 90-Day Grade Improvement Guarantee?

Yes. eTutorWorld offers a 90-Day Grade Improvement Guarantee designed to support students in making measurable academic progress. Eligible students must attend at least two tutoring sessions per week for 12 weeks, subject to the program's terms and conditions. Through personalized instruction, targeted practice, and consistent progress monitoring, eTutorWorld aims to help students strengthen their understanding and improve their academic performance.

4. What happens if my child doesn't show academic improvement after 90 days?

If an eligible student shows no grade improvement after 90 days despite meeting the program's criteria, eTutorWorld provides 20 additional free tutoring sessions, subject to the guarantee's terms and conditions.

5. How does eTutorWorld ensure its tutors are qualified to teach K-12 students?

eTutorWorld works with experienced educators who hold undergraduate degrees, many of whom hold advanced degrees. Tutors undergo selection and training to assess subject knowledge and teaching ability. Ongoing monitoring helps maintain a consistent learning experience.

6. Does eTutorWorld offer online tutoring for homeschooled students?

Yes. eTutorWorld provides one-on-one tutoring for homeschool students in kindergarten through grade 12. Tutors complement homeschool curricula, reinforce core concepts, provide subject instruction, and support standardized test preparation. Lesson plans align with each family's approach and goals.

7. Does eTutorWorld provide online tutoring for gifted and talented students?

Yes. eTutorWorld offers one-on-one instruction for gifted students seeking advanced learning or additional challenges. Tutors adapt lessons to students' pace and abilities, supporting advanced topics and critical thinking. eTutorWorld also prepares students for assessments such as the CogAT and ISEE.

8. Can students receive one-on-one tutoring in advanced subjects such as AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry?

Yes. eTutorWorld tutors AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and other AP courses. Tutors help students understand complex concepts, strengthen problem-solving skills, review coursework, and prepare for exams with tailored instruction.

About eTutorWorld

Founded in 2008 and based in Canton, Michigan, eTutorWorld provides personalized online tutoring and test preparation for K-12 students. Its proprietary Learning by Design™ methodology combines diagnostic assessments, individualized learning plans, and progress tracking, supported by its digital classroom and AI-assisted tools, to help tutors tailor instruction to each student's strengths, learning gaps, and academic goals. Programs cover math, science, coding, AI, English, Spanish, social studies, and standardized test preparation for ACT, AP, SAT, and other exams. eTutorWorld offers flexible scheduling, a free trial with no purchase obligation, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, helping families get started with confidence. For more information, visit etutorworld.com.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit newsweek.com.

Media Contact

Mukul Agrawal
President and CEO, eTutorWorld Corporation
mukul@etutorworld.com
+1 628-272-0788

November 10, 2026 10:19 AM
EDT
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PAPHOS, Cyprus

Chase Buchanan Assesses Financial Impact of UK Pension Inheritance Tax Reforms on British Expats

PAPHOS, Cyprus, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Chase Buchanan Private Wealth Management, international specialists in expat financial planning, have reviewed the government's impact estimates of significant reforms to how unused pension benefits will be incorporated into Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations in the UK from April 6, 2027.

While HMRC’s figures consider the effects on the population as a whole, they do not specifically evaluate the impacts on overseas British expats who retain UK pensions, or how the complexities of contrasting tax regimes and potential double tax treaties will influence retirement and succession planning.

Why UK Inheritance Tax Changes Won’t Impact Only British Tax Residents

From the next tax year, most unused pension funds and death benefits will be included in an individual’s estate when IHT is assessed, meaning pension assets may be taxable and more estates will exceed the relevant thresholds. 

As Lee Eldridge, Group CEO and Head of Investment Advisory, explains, "The projected impacts produced by the Exchequer are useful, but there has been no evaluation of the effects on the global expat community, which is something we know is highly relevant to many of the clients we support around the world."

"This is especially important following the previous reforms in 2025, which mean that HMRC might retain taxing rights over a worldwide estate if, for example, an expat was a UK tax resident for 10 of the last 20 years, even if they subsequently become a tax resident of another country."

The government’s impact estimates for the 2027/28 tax period indicate that:

  • 213,000 estates are thought to contain inheritable pension wealth
  • 10,500 estates are expected to incur an IHT liability that would not previously have arisen
  • 38,500 estates are forecast to be liable to pay more IHT than before the reform
  • The approximate average additional IHT for those estates paying more tax is estimated at £34,000

While a parliamentary committee has noted that this may potentially change individuals’ financial plans in terms of pension withdrawals and estate planning, further impacts may apply to expats who might have a UK pension, live overseas as a tax resident, and also have beneficiaries who live in different countries.

These considerations should be taken in the context of the further changes to UK taxation and pensions explored in Chase Buchanan’s review of the Autumn Budget’s impact on British expats living overseas.

The Potential Scale of UK Pension Inheritance Tax Changes for Overseas Expats

Eldridge says, "It’s important to emphasise the significance of the forthcoming reforms for expats making retirement plans believing their pension wealth will not be subject to UK IHT, or who have long-standing succession plans that they believe remain in the interests of themselves and their loved ones."

"For example, an expat with a significant amount of unused UK-based pension wealth, property or assets based in the UK, and who expects to leave a sizable estate to their beneficiaries, may have much higher exposure than an expat with a modest UK pension who holds the majority of their assets outside the UK."

"However, this also doesn’t paint the full picture, because in situations where British citizens have become overseas tax residents, their estate, including unused UK pension wealth, could theoretically also be subject to inheritance tax regimes in the country where they live."

The UK has inheritance double tax conventions with many countries, which can determine which country has taxing rights over unused pension wealth, or rules that apply tax relief if the same assets are taxed twice. Provisions do, though, vary between agreements, and there are scenarios where a UK pension could be classified, for example, as an investment asset depending on the pension structure and the tax rules in the relevant jurisdiction.

How Expats Living Overseas Can Prepare for Pension Inheritance Tax Reforms

Eldridge clarifies that, "Moving overseas doesn’t mean UK IHT is no longer a consideration, and when unused pension wealth and death benefits fall under the scope of this tax, there is certainly the potential for beneficiaries to find that estates are subject to complex cross-border tax treatments." 

"Reviewing pension and estate arrangements is advisable for anybody concerned about what these changes might mean for their wealth, their estate and their tax exposure, ideally before reforms take effect from next April."

About Chase Buchanan Private Wealth Management

Chase Buchanan Private Wealth Management is a highly regulated wealth management company that specialises in providing global finance solutions for those with a global lifestyle. We are global financial advisers, supporting expatriates around the world from our regulated European headquarters, and local offices across Belgium, Canada, Canary Islands, Cyprus, France, Malta, Portugal, Spain, the UK and the USA. Chase Buchanan Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with CIF Licence 287/15 and offers its services in the EU on a cross-border basis as per the provisions of MiFID. Chase Buchanan Insurance Services, Agents & Advisors is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Insurance Companies Control Service with License No 6883 and offers services in the EU on a cross-border basis as per the provisions of the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD). Investing in financial instruments involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of investments may go up as well as down and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. You may lose part or all of your invested capital. For more information, visit chasebuchanan.com.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute individual financial, legal, or tax advice. Tax treatment, including UK Inheritance Tax and cross-border succession rules, depends on individual circumstances and local legislation, both of which may be subject to change. Readers should not rely solely on this information and should seek professional, qualified advice tailored to their specific cross-border tax residency and estate situation before taking any action.

Media Contact

info@chasebuchanan.com

November 10, 2026 9:26 AM
EDT
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MANAMA, Bahrain

Al Salam Bank Grows Net Profit 20.4% in First Nine Months of 2026, Backed by Sustainable Earnings and Strong Liquidity

MANAMA, Bahrain, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Al Salam Bank (Bahrain Bourse: SALAM; Dubai Financial Market: SALAM_BAH) announced record profitability for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2026, built on sustainable earnings, a strong liquidity position, and a consistently growing capital base.

Net profit attributable to owners of the bank increased 20.4% to $185.8 million for the first nine months of 2026, from $154.3 million for the same period of 2025. Reflecting the group's consistent focus on the quality of its earnings, diversified revenue streams from core banking activities and regional operations continued to drive growth in net finance income, net fees and commissions, and share of profit from associates. Income from sukuk also increased by 19.1% to $232.3 million, and net fee and commission income grew 16.6% to $63.2 million, further supporting net profit growth.

The nine-month results extend a consistent upward trajectory in the group's profitability, with nine-month net profit increasing in each of the past six years. Delivered through shifting monetary policy cycles and regional market conditions, the record performance underscores the resilience of the group's earnings base and the scalability of its business model. Net profit attributable to owners of the bank for the first nine months has increased more than eightfold from $21.4 million in the same period of 2020, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 43.4%. Higher earnings translated into stronger returns for shareholders, with return on average equity (ROAE) rising to a record 17.2% from 16.4% in the first nine months of 2025, and return on average assets improving to 1.3% from 1.1%. Over a longer horizon, ROAE has increased more than fourfold from 3.5% in 2020, reflecting the transformation of the Group's scale, efficiency, and sustainable earnings capacity over that period.

Revenue diversification across the group advanced during the period through ASB Capital, the group's investment and asset management platform. ASB Capital broadened its product offering with the launch of the ASB Liquidity Fund, the ASB Principal Multi-Asset Fund, and the ASB StepStone Private Financing Fund. It also strengthened its debt capital markets franchise, participating in seven transactions across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait with an aggregate issuance size of $6.3 billion.

Total assets closed the quarter at $21.47 billion, reflecting the group's continued focus on optimizing balance sheet allocation and asset quality. Financing assets stood at $10.65 billion, while customer deposits increased to $14.58 billion, backed by a stable and diversified funding base.

The group's capital base continued to grow, while liquidity remained strong. Equity attributable to owners of the bank increased 5.9% to $1.30 billion as of Sept. 30, 2026, from $1.23 billion at year-end 2025. Reflecting consistent internal capital generation, equity attributable to owners of the bank has expanded 74.4% from $744.7 million in 2020. The consolidated capital adequacy ratio closed the quarter at 24.9%, providing ample capacity to support the group's future growth initiatives. The average three-month liquidity coverage ratio stood at 269.3% and the net stable funding ratio stood at 124.1% as of Sept. 30, 2026, both well above the regulatory minimum.

Commenting on the results, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Mustahail Al Mashani, Chairman of Al Salam Bank, said: "Al Salam Bank's record performance over the first nine months of 2026 reinforces its standing as a leading regional financial group, a position earned through results rather than aspiration. By leveraging its established strengths and deploying capital where it creates the most value, the group has improved the quality of its earnings and strengthened its strategic direction. As the year draws to a close, we remain committed to maintaining our financial strength and to delivering sustainable returns for our shareholders."

Rafik Nayed, group CEO of Al Salam Bank, added: "Al Salam Bank has made steady progress amid shifting regional conditions. Our priorities remain to optimize the balance sheet and broaden our revenue drivers across banking, asset management, takaful, and our regional exposures. We remain focused on execution and efficient capital allocation as we continue to develop the group's diversified operating model."

The full set of condensed consolidated interim financial information for the nine-month period ended Sept. 30, 2026, reviewed by external auditor KPMG, is available on the Bahrain Bourse and Dubai Financial Market websites.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements regarding Al Salam Bank's future business prospects, financial performance, strategic growth, balance sheet optimization, and operating model development. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "remains committed," "priorities," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations, assumptions, and projections as of the date hereof and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and economic changes — including market conditions, regional regulatory shifts, interest rate fluctuations, and monetary policies — that could cause actual operational and financial results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The bank undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information, or future developments, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Important Disclosures

This document is published solely for informational purposes and does not constitute, form part of, or contain an offer, solicitation, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, subscribe to, or underwrite any securities, investment funds, sukuk, or other financial and banking instruments in any jurisdiction. It does not provide, nor should it be construed as, financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Prospective investors should consult independent professional advisers and review relevant offering documentation before making any investment decision regarding securities or funds referenced herein, including products managed by ASB Capital.

Media Contact

Ema Linaker
Brand Links
ema@brandlinksme.com

November 10, 2026 9:00 AM
EDT
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA

The Agency Launches 2027 Red Paper

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Agency is proud to announce the launch of its 2027 Red Paper, an expert-informed guide to the wealth dynamics, buyer mindsets, and design innovations shaping the luxury real estate market around the world. Drawing on the knowledge of its global network of agents and industry leaders, the report combines real-time, ground-level observation with forward-looking analysis to help buyers, sellers, and investors navigate a complex, ever-changing luxury market with confidence.

“The global luxury real estate market is moving in more than one direction at once, and this year’s Red Paper captures that in a way no other resource does,” said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency. “From AI-driven wealth fueling competition in Silicon Valley to a renewed appreciation for historic properties, buyer priorities are changing quickly. This report explores the trends shaping luxury real estate today and gives our clients and agents valuable insight into what lies ahead in 2027."

Highlights from the 2027 Red Paper include:

  • The “K-Shaped” Housing Reality and the Deepening Wealth Divide: Buoyed by stock market gains, sales of million-dollar-plus homes are surging while more affordable segments remain flat. The report explains how all-cash buyers, largely insulated from mortgage rates, are reallocating windfalls into real estate as a safe haven, and why the market is bifurcating between entry-level luxury and the ultra-luxury tier.
  • AI Capital and the Super Luxury Tier: In tech-wealth epicenters like San Francisco and Silicon Valley, AI hiring, liquid equity, and anticipated IPOs are fueling hyper-competition and well-over-ask sales.
  • The Rise of “Landmaxxing” and Extreme Privacy: Affluent buyers are acquiring adjacent lots, neighboring properties, and vast parcels to protect views, maximize privacy, and build multigenerational compounds.
  • Stewardship Over Ownership: Buyers increasingly see themselves as temporary stewards of history rather than simply owners. The report explores homes with pedigree sold as works of art, with tips on how to buy and care for a historically significant property.
  • Longevity as Ultra-Luxury Status Symbol: Developers are building longevity and holistic wellness into project blueprints. The report examines the new development projects and amenities driving this shift.
  • Amenity Watch: Sculleries, double kitchens, and hidden tech are now standard in new builds and increasingly added to existing homes. For collectors, the report tracks what ultra-high-net-worth buyers are acquiring and displaying across yachts, cars, and art, from asset preservation to experiential design.
  • Americans Buying Abroad: What began with digital nomads has grown into a broader movement across key international markets in the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama, and more.
  • Purpose-Built Luxury: Innovation in manufacturing is reshaping how design-build studios approach today’s homesites, opening access to even the hardest-to-reach destinations.
  • What to Expect for 2027: Agents across a wide range of markets share their market bright spots for the year ahead, and what it means for buyers and sellers around the world.

“The Red Paper has always been about staying ahead of the market, and this edition reflects the full spectrum of what our agents are seeing on the ground,” said Rainy Hake Austin, president of The Agency. “It gives our agents the intelligence they need to guide their clients with confidence through 2027 and beyond.”

The Agency has grown to over 190 offices across 18 countries, and counting. Poised for further expansion with like-minded partners in strategic markets, The Agency is noted by the Financial Times as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies, has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the country, and is consistently recognized as a Top Luxury Brokerage by Inman.

The Agency’s CEO and founder, Mauricio Umansky, ranked No. 30 on the Swanepoel Power 200’s list of most powerful and influential people in real estate. The Agency’s President, Rainy Hake Austin, was also named on the Swanepoel Power 200 Watchlist in 2025, recognizing 50 up-and-coming leaders shaping the future of residential real estate. The Agency has a renowned brand that is featured on international television shows including “Buying Beverly Hills,” which aired on Netflix for two seasons.

Read the Red Paper report.

About The Agency

The Agency is a global, luxury real estate brokerage representing clients across residential, new development, resort, and vacation rental markets worldwide. Since its founding in 2011 by Mauricio Umansky, The Agency has closed more than $104 billion in real estate transactions and grown to more than 190 offices across 18 countries. Consistently ranked among the top brokerages in the industry, The Agency is recognized as one of the fastest-growing boutique luxury real estate brands in the world. Redefining the traditional brokerage model, The Agency fosters a culture of true collaboration, where every client and listing is represented in a shared environment of partnership. Clients and agents alike benefit from the power of a global network and access to a full suite of in-house services, including creative, public relations, relocation, development, core services, and industry-leading technology. For more information, visit theagencyre.com.

Media Contact

Andrea Delgado
The Agency
andrea.delgado@theagencyre.com

November 10, 2026 7:30 AM
EDT
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ATLANTA, GA

Federal Government Clarifies the Line Between Botanical Kratom and Synthetics: Former Congressman and the American Kratom Association to Explain What the New Federal Policy Means for Georgians

ATLANTA, GA, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Former U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston and the American Kratom Association (AKA) will hold a press conference at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Thursday, November 12, on the federal government's new kratom policy and what it means for Georgia. In October 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services drew a clear, science-based line between natural kratom leaf and synthetic, concentrated products sold under the kratom name: the synthetics were scheduled, and natural kratom was not. Details are at americankratompolicy.org.

That clarity arrives as Georgia heads into a 2027 session where a kratom ban bill is expected, and as the state's outgoing Attorney General has called for removing all kratom products — a position at odds with the federal record. Congressman Kingston will discuss how Georgia can follow the federal lead by regulating natural kratom and enforcing against synthetics. Georgia kratom consumers will speak to their own experience and will be available to media for interviews following the program.

AKA will also directly address Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's call for the voluntary removal of all kratom products and what that would mean for Georgia's botanical kratom consumers, who advocate for access to safely formulated, accurately labeled, and age-restricted kratom products.

Press Conference Details

  • What: Press conference addressing the October 2026 DOJ, DEA, and HHS regulatory actions, their implications for Georgia policy, and why proposed state-level bans misalign with federal scientific findings.
  • Who: Jack Kingston, Former U.S. Congressman; Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy, American Kratom Association; Georgia Natural Kratom Consumers & Advocates
  • When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
  • Where: Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Kennesaw Meeting Room), 265 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Livestream: Broadcast live via YouTube at youtube.com/@americankratomassociation. Media unable to attend in person may submit advance questions to press@americankratom.org.
  • Media Availability: Congressman Kingston, AKA leadership, and Georgia advocates will be available for one-on-one interviews immediately following the formal remarks.

Background: Natural Kratom Is Not "Synthetic Kratom"

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves have been consumed for centuries and are under active NIH-funded study. In recent years, bad actors have synthesized novel opioid compounds — chemically manipulated 7-OH, MGM-15 and MGM-16 — and sold them under the kratom name. These products do not share natural kratom's alkaloid profile, pharmacology, or safety history, and federal regulators have now formally recognized that distinction. AKA supports age restrictions, accurate labeling, contaminant testing, good manufacturing practices, and strong enforcement against synthetic and adulterated products falsely marketed as kratom — and opposes blanket bans that push consumers to an unregulated market. Learn more at americankratompolicy.org.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting access to safely manufactured, properly labeled natural kratom products. The AKA advocates for science-based regulation, enforceable manufacturing standards, independent product testing, accurate labeling, and decisive action against adulterated, chemically manipulated, and dangerously formulated opioid products. For more information, visit americankratom.org.

Important Disclosures

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization. This press release is issued for informational and public policy purposes only. The information contained herein reflects policy analysis regarding federal administrative actions and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or medical advice. Statements regarding natural kratom leaf products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding personal medical decisions.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

November 10, 2026 5:00 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY

Lufthansa Turns Air Travel's Unwritten Rules Into Fashion With U.S. Launch of Travel Etiquette Collection

NEW YORK, NY, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Forget traditional airline merch. Lufthansa is turning the unwritten rules of flying into fashion with the U.S. launch of its limited-edition Travel Etiquette Collection.

Who gets the middle seat armrests? Why can't everyone just exit the plane row by row? And don't we all text our moms when the plane lands? Inspired by the shared experiences, unspoken rules, and little courtesies that make every journey more enjoyable, the collection gives travelers a playful way to wear their opinions on the dos and don'ts of flying.

Everyone has an opinion on the unwritten rules of flying, but most travelers can agree on one thing: a little courtesy goes a long way. According to a recent Ideally survey of U.S. airline passengers, 70% say small acts of consideration can make a big difference in the travel experience. Near the top of the list is checking with the passenger behind you before reclining, which 45% named as one of the most important unspoken rules in the air.

Rather than settle the debate, Lufthansa is inviting travelers to wear their opinions. The collection transforms familiar in-flight disagreements into statement-making apparel and accessories, featuring tongue-in-cheek slogans like “Middle Seat Gets the Armrests,” “Recline Responsibly,” and “It's Ok Not to Clap When the Plane Lands.”

Lufthansa, in partnership with creative agency of record, Serviceplan Group, is using fashion as a way for travelers to express their preferences and opinions about the shared experience of flying.

“Everyone has an opinion about airplane etiquette, and almost nobody agrees on the rules,” said Andreas Gassler, Head of Marketing, Lufthansa Group Americas. “We wanted to have a little fun with those universal experiences and give travelers a way to express themselves. It's airline merch that doesn't feel like airline merch, and that's exactly the point.”

“We wanted to tap into the conversations travelers are already having and bring a little humor to the unwritten rules of flying. The result is a collection that feels fun, relatable, and distinctly Lufthansa,” said Till Diestel, Chief Creative Officer, Serviceplan Germany.

Beginning November 10, Lufthansa will bring the Travel Etiquette Collection to U.S. travelers through a series of exclusive “Secret Drops.” Fans can visit Lufthansa's Travel Etiquette Secret Drop page to discover when and where limited-edition pieces will become available. As new drop locations are revealed, visitors can return to the page for the latest details and instructions on how to claim a downloadable ticket to redeem their exclusive merchandise in person. With extremely limited quantities available, each drop offers travelers a chance to get their hands on a piece of the collection while supplies last.

The U.S. launch will also be supported by a creator seeding initiative, bringing the collection's playful take on flying etiquette to life through personalities whose individual styles and perspectives reflect the spirit of the campaign.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations, it carried more than 135 million passengers and generated revenue of €39.6 billion in 2025. Its largest business segment is Passenger Airlines. Other key segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions, such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training, complement these segments. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets. For more information, visit lufthansagroup.com.

About Serviceplan Group

Serviceplan Group is Europe's largest independent, partner-led agency group. Founded in Munich in 1970, the Group pioneered the “House of Communication” model, integrating creative and content, media and data, and experience and technology under one roof. With more than 6,500 employees across 43 locations in 24 countries, Serviceplan Group brings together specialized expertise across its three agency brands: Serviceplan, Mediaplus, and Plan.Net. The Group is internationally recognized for its creative excellence, including being named Independent Network of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. For more information, visit house-of-communication.com.

Media Contact

Emma Swanson
PR Lead, Serviceplan Americas
emma.swanson@pereiraodell.com